Lung cancer is not like other cancers.

Lung cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men and women combined, with more than 225,000 cases diagnosed in 2012, and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Why? Tobacco use and late-stage diagnosis.

In the past, people had to wait until they experienced symptoms, like a chronic cough, before scheduling a lung cancer screening exam. By then, the cancer was more difficult to treat and cure and the five-year survival rate dropped drastically. That’s why lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths for men and women. That’s also why the newly approved CT lung screening test is so important.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is cancer that usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs), but can also begin in other areas of the lungs, including the bronchioles or alveoli. Lung cancers are believed to develop over a period of many years.

What are the most important risk factors for lung cancer?

The most important risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco use. The percentages of lung cancers estimated to be caused by tobacco smoking in males and females are 90 percent and 78 percent, respectively. Other additional causal factors are primarily related to occupational exposures to agents such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel and radon.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms for lung cancer.

Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms when it first develops, but symptoms often become present after the tumor begins growing. A chronic cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Other symptoms include:

Constant chest pain

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis

Bloody or rust-colored sputum

Hoarseness

A tumor that presses on large blood vessels near the lung can cause swelling of the neck and face

A tumor that presses on certain nerves near the lung can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand

Fever for unknown reason

None of these symptoms is a sure sign of lung cancer. Only a doctor can tell whether a patient's symptoms are caused by cancer or by another problem. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

To schedule your CT lung screening call toll-free (888) 412-8818
Or request an appointment online any time. Our staff will contact you to confirm your appointment time, location, date and other details.